1 , 2   BADAWIA EC0-LODGE :
This is the first project of Eco-Group for Touristic Projects, the pioneer of eco-tourism in Egypt. The approval of the project was obtained from the Minister of Tourism and the Head of the Executive Body of the Touristic Development General Authority on June 21, 2000. Location of the Project :  .SINAI-EGYPT .RAS MATARMA 
The project is located in Ras Matarma Area in Ras Sudr, South Sinai Governorate in a very distinct location, having what looks like several natural beautiful lakes and a peninsula with a magnificent scenery opened to the Red Sea.
The height of the water in this area is affected by the movement of the high and low tide which is considered one of the natural phenomena which people like to watch and observe, for it is a kind of natural connection between the moon and the sea.
The place is considered a refuge for different kinds and shapes of emigrant birds, according to the season of each.
The project lies in the heart of touristic villages area in Ras Sudr which extends for more than 60 kilometers to the south and 60 kilometers to the north of the location of the project.
The location is only 190 kilometers from the City of Cairo (i.e. less than two hours drive) and is 300 kilometers away from Sharm El Sheikh and 220 kilometers from Sainte Catherine; thus located is in the heart of Sinai.
The location enjoys a wonderful weather all year round; dry in winter and in summer, thus encouraging domestic tourism to spend weekends, and global tourism throughout the year and not just in one season.
Average ambient temp. 20C in Winter & 35C in Summer , Average humidity 57-62% and wind speed 3-4 meter .
It is also planned within two years to have an airport in Ras Sudr City to serve the large growth in tourism.
This will encourage the arrival of foreign groups from all countries of the world who seek relaxation, quiet and nature.
The location of this airport shall be about 10 kilometers from the location of the project .
The proposed surface area for Badawia Eco-Lodge amounts to approximately 200000 sq.m.(two hundred thousand square meters). Phases of the Project & the Investment Cost :
Work in the project is divided into two phases, to be executed together during the period of the project.
The First Phase - Hotel Part :  The investment cost of the first phase of the project which includes Badawia Eco-Lodge with its basic utilities and various services is estimated to range between 10 and 12 million Egyptian pounds. The execution period of the project is estimated to take three years from the date of receiving the site. Part of the project could be put into operation after only two years. The project's profitability has been calculated over a period of ten years through the statements of expectations and the estimated revenues and expenses account based on preserved expectations of sales and the touristic activity of Sinai Area, in addition to the project's financing accounts. It is expected to recover the investment costs during the third year of operation, together with continuing the concentrated marketing efforts to sustain an appropriate rate of occupation ranging between 50 and 60% all year round. This rate is sufficient to achieve profitability for the project. The Second Phase Ownership & Time-Share Part: It comprises large and independent villa units with the same eco-style; each enjoying its own privacy. They could either be sold as a whole for the purpose of ownership or by the time-share system. It represents the back area of the project, and its investment cost is estimated to range between 6 and 7 million Egyptian pounds. The execution period is estimated to take three years from the date of receiving the site, according to fixed time schedule . It is expected that by the time the phases of the project are completed (God Willing) it would be among the unique reputable projects that will achieve unprecedented local and global tourism attraction.
Badawia Eco-Lodge The General Layout of Badawia Eco-Lodge First Phase :Badawia Eco-Lodge shall be built by local materials and by a design that will serve the environment and totally agrees with the nature of the place, depending on the new, renewable and solar energy, whether in lighting or heating water. It will also depend on the wind energy in pumping water and generating energy. It has also been observed to use the garbage and sanitary drainage water after treating them in agriculture (recycling solid and liquid wastes). Badawia Eco- Lodge is distinguished with ecological style luxury, and integrates completely with the local environment. It is distinguished with privacy, as the accommodation capacity ranges between 100 and 150 persons, wild simplicity, in addition to contemplation and relaxation areas and treatment by wild herbs. Visitors will enjoy desert safaris and photographing tours. The products of the inhabitants' traditional activities will be on display.
As for the food and meals that will be served, they shall be related to the kind of bedouin and Sinai community, made from natural ingredients without using any chemicals or pesticides in their cultivation. Pure oil of olives cultivated without any chemicals or pesticides shall be used in cooking or in some of the other products such as shampoos or the soap used in the hotel or for marketing to visitors and guests. Dates shall be used after packing them by different methods, and tasty meals shall be made therefrom. The Architectural Design & Landscaping of the Project : 1. Use natural stones, raw wood, tree remains, reed, bamboo and palm trees branches in a unique architectural way, whether in the buildings, passages, gathering places and restaurants in order to minimize the use of solid walls, increase the usage of natural aeration and provide outdoor shaded areas. 2. Apply the systems of natural air-conditioning and aeration to provide the relaxation to practice the human activities, and group and individual sports. 3. Direct the surfaces of buildings as much as possible away from the western sun to minimize their exposure to direct sun. 4. Use colors that suit the surrounding environment. 5. Construct the buildings in a manner that suits the land of the site to manifest the aesthetic values and panoramic vision. 6. Avoid using lighting except at night by relying on the natural light for the longest period possible. 7. It shall be observed to seek the advice of the area inhabitant bedouins in the architectural designs to develop their feeling of participation . 8. Bring in local bedouin crafts and artworks in the works of interior design. 9. Provide the places required to display the local crafts, and practice of folkloric arts. 10. The height of buildings will not exceed one or two storeys 11. All places shall be fit for the handicapped for Easy movement, and the doors according to global specifications for wheeled chairs. Project's Components & Sections :
The hotel part of the project contains a set of luxurious suites, a set of rooms each with its private washroom, a set of rooms with common washrooms, a set of kiosks made of reed and bamboo and a tent area whether for the hotel or as a camp, equipped with washrooms annexed to each section.
The place will also be provided with a set of various restaurants of special eco-style, whether bedouin or rural style restaurants, and a seafood restaurant.In addition to a set of appropriate courts and eco-swimming pools. The project will include a new set of services and various activities as follows :
 1. A garden for rare desert plants which are enormous in Sinai, in order to protect and preserve them. 2. A nursery for local trees and all kinds of dates palm trees. 4. A nursery for seeds and desert plants. 5. A fish farm for special species that are used in preparing meals that could be marketed for the visitors and guests of Neighboring touristic hotels and villages. 6. A place for raising sheep and goats and using them in preparing food, or external marketing.  7. A place for raising camels and using them in moving inside the badawia Eco-Lodge. 8. A place for reviving bedouin and traditional manual industries. 9. A place for social meetings and acquaintances among visitors. 10. A place for heritage and environment, to provide the Information sought by visitors.
11. A place for watching emigrant birds. 12. Provide places for practicing all kinds of water sports and fishing. 14. A place for raising deers and animals of the area. 15. An observatory for watching the stars and the moon at night due to the clear skies most of the year.
From the above it becomes clear that Badawia Eco-Lodge is a unique and distinguished hotel establishment, characterized by extreme privacy, and untraditional whether from the aspects of kind, size, activities or services rendered to clients. Marketing for this Project Depends on Two Basic Kinds of Clients : 1.A Foreign tourist that could be classified into the following : A. Global eco-tourist looking for adventure and all what is unique and new. B. A foreign tourist residing in Egypt, whether those working in embassies or foreign companies who desire to spend the weekend in a special enjoyable way.
C. Scientists and scholars of the ecology and different cultures 2. An Egyptian tourist fully knowledgeable and aware, looking for a new experience. He could be classified into the following :
a- A resident tourist who spends the weekend or a period of time in the eco-village (Badawia) and enjoys the service rendered to him. b- A visiting tourist who spends one day, whether he was arriving from a distant place to spend his vacation, or from surrounding tourist villages, north or south of Badawia searching for seclusion, change, get acquainted with the new touristic style, watch, learn and feel the uniqueness of Badawia. Accordingly, it has been considered that the place in general would contain different degrees of accommodation whether suites, ordinary rooms, kiosks or camps; each having their special rates according to their standard, whether or not meals and beverages are included. ecmag@menanet.net   |